Drones to take spotlight during 2015 Oregon legislative session

If drones were on your Christmas wish list, keep an eye on the 2015 Oregon Legislature.

As mandated by Congress, drones – or unmanned aviation vehicles – are to be integrated into the national airspace in 2015. Since Oregon was one of six states selected by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct test sites on drones, this state is positioned to take advantage of what could become a clean, multi-billion dollar industry.

Results from Oregon’s test sites will be used to help the FAA develop a drone policy. Currently, the FAA grants permits for unmanned aviation vehicles used in research and in such operations as aerial surveying and monitoring forest fires. The public can also fly them as a hobby. While drones are not currently allowed to be used commercially, it’s only a matter of time.

During a recent legislative hearing in Salem, Mitch Swecker, director of the Oregon Department of Aviation, noted that Google, Amazon and GoPro are among the companies that want to operate drones.

The hearing also highlighted concerns about the FAA’s ability to effectively manage oversight of unmanned aviation vehicles. There are issues about how high they can fly and where. NASA is currently working on “sense and avoid” technology that could address some safety concerns.

Another problem, pointed out by State Rep. Jennifer Williamson (D-Portland), is that the FAA hasn’t met a single deadline.

Many states aren’t waiting for the FAA, as a story in the Washington Post noted last year. These states are working on their drone economies independently, because it’s considered “the next significant growth in aerospace.”

Last year, when Oregon’s selection as a test site was announced, Rick Spinrad, vice president for research at Oregon State University, said it would help put Oregon on the map for the future of unmanned aerial vehicles. “We’ll be able to … get our students involved in an evolving industry, and help Oregon take advantage of research, development and manufacturing that will be needed,” he said.

The 2015 Oregon Legislature should do whatever it can to help develop this useful and purposeful technology, while at the same time address people’s concerns about safety and privacy.

As it turned out, privacy was a recurring issue during the recent hearings in Salem, which offered a preview of next year’s legislative session.

One issue that emerged of particular interest has been dubbed Big Data. Like drones, electronic data can be used for good or ill. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum wants the Legislature to consider a bill that would regulate how Big Data will be managed. Some people might be surprised at how much data they are carrying around on their personal devices, and how easy it can be breached by third parties.

The public has a right to know how this information is used, and to whom it’s being sold. Many states have passed various data breach laws. A few months ago, California enacted one such law, and attorneys have been arguing over it ever since. As some critics have pointed out, this is an issue with bipartisan support. Congress should step up and pass a federal law regulating data.

One of the more emotional moments that came up during legislative hearings on the subject of privacy was when a young woman testified about her stepfather secretly taking nude photos of her. Her two best friends were also photographed while undressing in private. These photos can live on indefinitely through the Internet. Currently, this crime is only a misdemeanor. These young women rightfully believe it should be a felony. While they received a sympathetic hearing, the reality is they are up against a continuing effort to cut sentencing and push for early release of convicted felons.

In 2013, the Legislature passed a law (HB 3194) reducing sentences for certain crimes, including identity theft and robbery. Some lawmakers are hoping to expand early release to high-risk offenders.

It does no good to enact new legislation to create new offenders – whether for Big Data thieves or legal gun owners – if we are unwilling to attach appropriate penalties.

Sen. Betsy Johnson
Oregon Senate District 16
P.O. Box R
Scappoose, OR 97056
503-543-4046